Mobile Digital Scriptures
Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2008 4:56 pm
I'm sure at least some of us have read the standard works on a computer or laptop, even a Palm handheld device. Most of these are limited, difficult to use, or hard to read, or have some other negative that keeps them from being too widespread.
I have been inspired by recent technology to start this thread, dedicated to digital scriptures on the go.
First I want to highlight one of the most promising new technologies for the future of digital scripture reading. The technology is called E-Ink and is currently being used in a variety of products - most notible digital books. This technology allows text to be displayed on a paper looking surface without drawing electricity. Devices such as Sony's Reader and Amazon's Kindle only use battery power when turning to the next page, otherwise these conveniently sized thin devices aren't drawing power while you are reading. This kind of technology is extremely versitle and convenient, enough so to become popularly widespread in a matter of years. Even so, $300 - $500 is still a lot to pay doing little else than reading a book ... well thousands of books in one place anyway. That said, a currently even more convenient access to digital scriptures in your pocket is the obvious - cell phones.
Cell phones with large displays and touchscreens are becoming increasingly common as they drop in price due to competition, one in particular is the new T-Mobile G1. This phone is unique in that it uses Google's new open source operating system called Android. An operating system (like Windows or Mac OS) is a master control program that defines how programs are run on a computerized device. To be open source, a program must be available in its coded base form to anyone who might desire to view it or make fundamental changes to the way it works. In the Android's case, many computer programmers of all skill ranges are able to design software programs like a voice recorder, or movie player ... or in this case an easy way to read the standard works.
Unlike most software you download or buy for a computer, Android apps (as they are called) are usually updated very frequently - dependant only on the creator's wish to make his program better. In the case of the Android app called simply "Scriptures", you are first given a menu of choices including Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price. Touching the screen on each of those headings will then bring up a list of books, then chapters, and finally verses that can be scrolled through. Simple gestures like flicking your finger to the left, as if pulling the page over, will change to the next chapter. The ability to increase the size of the text on the screen is helpful for those of us who tire of squinting at small writing on an already small screen.
The Scriptures app was created by David Mitchell, who is currently working on making the program even better by adding things like bookmarks. Owners of the T-Mobile G1 only need to visit the Market on their phone and search for the app. Information about the program and future updates can be found here: http://blog.digitalbias.com/?page_id=87 If you do not have nor do you plan to buy a G1, worry not, cell phone makers such as Samsung, Motorola, and Nokia have plans for their own Google Android powered phones due out as early as this summer. In summary, the future of mobile digital scriptures is very close at hand and promises more convenience and compatibility than ever before. I urge all LDS to support mobile scriptures in all forms in order to spur further innovation.
I have been inspired by recent technology to start this thread, dedicated to digital scriptures on the go.
First I want to highlight one of the most promising new technologies for the future of digital scripture reading. The technology is called E-Ink and is currently being used in a variety of products - most notible digital books. This technology allows text to be displayed on a paper looking surface without drawing electricity. Devices such as Sony's Reader and Amazon's Kindle only use battery power when turning to the next page, otherwise these conveniently sized thin devices aren't drawing power while you are reading. This kind of technology is extremely versitle and convenient, enough so to become popularly widespread in a matter of years. Even so, $300 - $500 is still a lot to pay doing little else than reading a book ... well thousands of books in one place anyway. That said, a currently even more convenient access to digital scriptures in your pocket is the obvious - cell phones.
Cell phones with large displays and touchscreens are becoming increasingly common as they drop in price due to competition, one in particular is the new T-Mobile G1. This phone is unique in that it uses Google's new open source operating system called Android. An operating system (like Windows or Mac OS) is a master control program that defines how programs are run on a computerized device. To be open source, a program must be available in its coded base form to anyone who might desire to view it or make fundamental changes to the way it works. In the Android's case, many computer programmers of all skill ranges are able to design software programs like a voice recorder, or movie player ... or in this case an easy way to read the standard works.
Unlike most software you download or buy for a computer, Android apps (as they are called) are usually updated very frequently - dependant only on the creator's wish to make his program better. In the case of the Android app called simply "Scriptures", you are first given a menu of choices including Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price. Touching the screen on each of those headings will then bring up a list of books, then chapters, and finally verses that can be scrolled through. Simple gestures like flicking your finger to the left, as if pulling the page over, will change to the next chapter. The ability to increase the size of the text on the screen is helpful for those of us who tire of squinting at small writing on an already small screen.
The Scriptures app was created by David Mitchell, who is currently working on making the program even better by adding things like bookmarks. Owners of the T-Mobile G1 only need to visit the Market on their phone and search for the app. Information about the program and future updates can be found here: http://blog.digitalbias.com/?page_id=87 If you do not have nor do you plan to buy a G1, worry not, cell phone makers such as Samsung, Motorola, and Nokia have plans for their own Google Android powered phones due out as early as this summer. In summary, the future of mobile digital scriptures is very close at hand and promises more convenience and compatibility than ever before. I urge all LDS to support mobile scriptures in all forms in order to spur further innovation.
